The Woman Considered in Absence 103

Beneath the seat was a tool-chest without a lid,
and into this he crammed the cloak. Then,
having turned the box face downwards, he went
about his duties. But many a time during the
day he shivered to the marrow, reflecting sud-
denly that at this very moment Jean might be
carrying the accursed thing (at arms’ length, like
a dog in disgrace) to his mother.

Now let those who think that Gavin has not
yet paid toll for taking the road with the Egyp-
tian, follow the adventures of the cloak. Shortly
after gloaming fell that night Jean encountered
her master in the lobby of the manse. He was
carrying something, and when he saw her he
slipped it behind his back. Had he passed her
openly she would have suspected nothing, but
this made her look at him.

“ Why do you stare so, Jean?” Gavin asked,
conscience-stricken, and he stood with his back
to the wall until she had retired in bewilderment.

“I have noticed her watching me sharply all
day,” he said to himself, though it was only he
who had been watching her.

Gavin carried the cloak to his bedroom, think-
ing to lock it away in his chest, but it looked so
wicked lying there that he seemed to see it after
the lid was shut.

The garret was the best place for it. He took
it out of the chest and was opening his door
gently, when there was Jean again. She had
been employed very innocently in his mother’s
room, but he said, tartly:

“Jean, I really cannot have this,” which sent
Jean to the kitchen with her apron at her eyes.